Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami’s Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman said that the country’s working class, alongside students and the general public, has shed its fresh blood on the streets to free the nation from the tyrannical and fascist misrule of the Awami regime. He made these remarks while addressing a massive workers’ rally as the chief guest at Senpara Parbata Eidgah Ground in Mirpur-10, Dhaka, organized for the Dhaka-15 constituency on October 17 at 2:30 PM.
The event was presided over by Jamaat-e-Islami’s Central Working Committee member and Nayeb-e-Ameer of Dhaka City North, Abdur Rahman Musa, and hosted by Dhaka-15 constituency member secretary and Mirpur East Thana Ameer, Shah Alam Tuhin.
Special guests included Jamaat’s central executive council member and Dhaka North City Ameer Mohammad Selim Uddin, Central Vice President of the Bangladesh Sramik Kollan Federation Laskar Mohammad Taslim, and Maulana Muhibbullah, member of the Dhaka North City Working Committee and President of the Sramik Kollan Federation, Dhaka City North.
Among others, Dhaka City North Jamaat’s Working Committee member Shahidullah, Dhaka City North Sramik Kollan Secretary Atiqur Rahman, Dhaka City North Working Committee member and Kafrul South Thana Ameer Vice Principal Anwarul Karim, Dhaka City North Youth Division President Dr. Md. Moin Uddin, Kafrul North Ameer Rezaul Karim Mahmud, Acting Ameer of Kafrul West Thana Atiq Hasan, Dhaka North City Majlis-e-Shura member and Kafrul South Thana Secretary Md. Abu Nahid, Kafrul North Thana Secretary Ashiqur Rahman, Dhaka North City unit’s Youth Division Vice President Khan Habib Mustafa, Kafrul Zone Director of the Workers’ Welfare Federation Mizanur Rahman, and labor leader Nazrul Islam were present on the occasion.
Dr. Shafiqur Rahman said that the August Revolution did not occur spontaneously—it required great sacrifice and devotion. He stated that the autocratic Sheikh Hasina was forced to flee abroad due to the united uprising of students, youths, and workers. Many sacrificed their lives in this struggle; thousands were injured or maimed. Numerous people lost their businesses, jobs, and livelihoods. Many were evicted from their homes, and the houses of dissenters were demolished, rendering them homeless.
He added that Jamaat has a list of one thousand martyrs of the July Revolution, among whom 60% were from the working class and 40% from other groups. Most of these workers belonged to the most marginalized sections of society. Historically, the working class has always played a vital role during every critical juncture of the nation. Therefore, to establish a just and equitable society, the workers must always be ready to make any sacrifice.
He continued, “The revolutionaries of July are indeed the best sons of the nation. However, the interim government is yet to grant them constitutional recognition. To properly honor the revolution and its heroes, the July Declaration must be given constitutional status. The government has failed to do justice to them, forcing them to once again take to the streets to press their demands. That is why they are now staging a sit-in at the South Plaza of the National Parliament. I am still not fully aware of how the government has treated them, but from what I have heard, I am deeply ashamed and saddened.”
He called upon the government to constitutionally recognize the July Declaration and to hold the next national election based on that charter, warning that the people will not tolerate any procrastination on this issue.
Dr. Shafiqur Rahman further said that before the July Revolution, there was no security of life or property in Bangladesh. The entire country was plagued by corruption, extortion, looting, crime, and tyranny. Although the downfall of fascism initially gave people hope, the interim government has failed to sustain that hope. Corruption and irregularities still persist, and the government has failed to ensure peace and security for the citizens. Therefore, a positive transformation of the current situation is urgently needed.
He urged the working class to remain united on the streets to strengthen the movement for establishing Islamic way of life.
In his special remarks, Mohammad Selim Uddin said that the upcoming national election will be decisive for the fate of the country and the nation. Therefore, no class or profession can afford to stay idle; everyone must work unitedly in the field. He called upon the workers to stay ready to face any challenge.
